On-Demand Paratransit Pilot Program

The MBTA is running a pilot program with ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft to offer on-demand transit service to RIDE customers. You can book trips right from your smartphone, instantly!

You get:

Fares as low as $2

Shorter wait times

Instant, same-day booking

Faster trips

Access to wheelchair-accessible vehicles

The pilot program has been extended to July 1, 2018.

You can participate in the pilot program and also use The RIDE paratransit services.

Please note, additional changes to the program will take effect in 2018. You will be notified of any changes by emails directly from Uber and Lyft. This webpage will also be updated, so check back regularly.

The On-Demand Paratransit program is still in pilot mode, and the MBTA can change or cancel it at any time.

Service Comparison

Service Comparison

Service

THE RIDE

Pilot Program

Service

Fare

THE RIDE

$3.15 or $5.25 for premium trips

Pilot Program

As low as $2.00

Service

Booking Timeframe

THE RIDE

At least 1 day in advance

Pilot Program

On demand - Instant request to dispatch

Service

Day-of Wait Time

THE RIDE

30-minute window

Pilot Program

As low as 5 minutes in core service areas

Service

Trip Reservations

THE RIDE

By phone

Pilot Program

Via smartphone app or phone call (Lyft only)

How to Sign Up

If you’re a RIDE customer, sign up with Uber or Lyft by clicking the link for the company and language you want in the table below. You can only sign up with one company.

Service Area and Hours

All of The RIDE’s regular service area is covered under the pilot EXCEPT trips to Logan Airport.

Activating Your Subsidized Rides

Lyft

Your subsidized trips will be added to your account automatically at the beginning of each month.

Uber

Go to the menu in the top left corner.

Pick “RIDER PASS.”

Activate your trips by selecting “Purchase.” Note the charge to activate is $0.

Driver Assistance

If you need help from your door to your ride, help boarding vehicles, or other assistance from a driver, you should consider using The RIDE services for your trip. Uber and Lyft drivers are not required to assist customers in the same way that RIDE drivers are.

How to Order a Ride

You can request a ride through whichever company you’ve signed up with—Uber or Lyft—through their smartphone apps.

If you're a Lyft customer, you can use their phone-in service to order a ride. Lyft will provide details to you if you’re approved for their program.

Set your pick-up point.

Choose your service and vehicle type.

Both companies allow you to pick wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Enter your destination.

If you change your destination after you request your trip, you may not be eligible for the subsidy.